Peak Load Reduction Program Now in Full Swing

Sacramento -- Simple changes are under way to save California much needed electricity in times of peak use -- thanks to a load reduction program managed by the California Energy Commission.

Entrusted by State lawmakers with $50 million in funding under Assembly Bill 970, the program aims to shave off 161 megawatts of peak load by June 1, 2001. Overall electricity use reduction from the program is expected at more than 220 megawatts. A megawatt is roughly enough juice to light up 1,000 California homes.

As of February 9, 2001, the project's six components have earmarked nearly all of the money needed to free up electricity from the overburdened grid during crunch times, especially in hot summer weekday afternoons.

The program to switch traffic lights to energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has awarded its allocation of $10 million to 44 public agencies to reduce peak demand by six megawatts.

The innovative efficiency and renewables program, with a goal of reducing peak load by 48.4 megawatts through renewable electricity generation and demand reduction equipment, is also fully subscribed. It has allocated $8.5 million in grants to 11 entities.

The program to develop energy-smart buildings outfitted with advanced meters and demand responsive software to automatically dim lights and raise or lower thermostats is currently allocating its $10 million. This is being done through seven contracts, an interagency agreement and a half dozen grants to save over 83 megawatts.

The plan to change roofs of buildings from dark to light colored materials has allocated roughly 80 percent of the $9.4 million earmarked by AB 970 to save 21.4 megawatts.

The project to improve lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning in state buildings and public universities has allocated $5.5 million through four interagency agreements and one contract. Peak reduction from this program should reach approximately 80 megawatts.

A sixth component of the AB 970 program Ñ energy efficient improvement in wastewater treatment and agricultural energy retrofits have committed almost half of its $5 million and will yield an estimated savings of about 43 megawatts.

Further information on the various stages of the peak load reduction program can be accessed on the Internet at: